Grammar fix
attribute something to
formally explain cause
To say that something was caused by a particular person, thing, or situation.
collocation
How oftenCommon
LevelC1
Used inSpeech & writing
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
The researchers attributed the drop in sales to rising transport costs.
I'd mostly attribute my English to watching American sitcoms as a teenager, more than anything I learned at school.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: The report attributes the delay with poor planning.
Say: The report attributes the delay to poor planning.
Use 'attribute something to a cause', not 'attribute something with a cause'.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
Say what caused something
How formal?ConversationalMore formal
put something down toEveryday, especially British: 'I put it down to stress.'chalk upCasual, especially American; say 'chalk it up to'.
attribute something toYou're here · Formal or written: 'attributed to poor planning'.